Daly Cherry-Evans, the seasoned halfback for the Manly Sea Eagles, is under scrutiny following a weekend performance that raised concerns about his future in the NRL. Cooper Cronk, a legendary figure in rugby league, has pointed out two critical moments that signal potential issues for the aging player, as speculation mounts over his possible move to the Sydney Roosters on a lucrative $1 million contract.
The potential transfer is reminiscent of Cronk’s own move to the Roosters, where he successfully led the team to consecutive premiership titles in 2018 and 2019. However, Cronk has expressed doubts about Cherry-Evans’ ability to replicate such success, citing the Manly veteran’s apparent struggle with physicality during games.
Concerns Over Physical Engagement
During a recent discussion on the “Matty and Cronk” show, Cronk highlighted Cherry-Evans’ reluctance to engage in physical play, a crucial aspect for any halfback, especially in the later stages of their career. At 36, Cherry-Evans’ performance against the Wests Tigers was marked by two notable lapses in physical engagement.
In one instance, Cherry-Evans failed to make a decisive tackle on Tigers winger Sunia Turuva, allowing a straightforward scoring opportunity. Cronk described it as a missed “hips tackles, legs tackle every day of the week.” In another moment, Cherry-Evans opted for a pass instead of exploiting a gap in the defensive line, a decision that resulted in a turnover.
“He’s 36 years of age, may or may not be playing on next year, we’ve got no idea,” Cronk remarked. “But there’s one thing that you need to be able to do as a halfback at the latter stages, is you need to stay physical.”
Legacy and Future Prospects
Despite the criticism, Cronk acknowledged Cherry-Evans’ significant contributions to the Sea Eagles, emphasizing that he should be celebrated as one of the greatest players in the club’s history. As Cherry-Evans approaches his 350th NRL game, the focus shifts to whether he can maintain his effectiveness as a halfback without compromising the team’s performance.
Cronk offered a piece of advice, drawing from his own experience of playing through injuries: “The advice to Daly is, mate, if you want to play on, do whatever — but find your physicality.” This advice underscores the importance of maintaining a physical edge, even when facing the challenges of an aging athlete.
Impact on the Roosters’ Dynamics
The potential arrival of Cherry-Evans at the Roosters raises questions about the impact on the team’s current lineup, particularly concerning the development of young talents like Sam Walker and Hugo Savala. Walker, who has been mentored by Cronk, is entering a pivotal phase of his career, blending instinctive play with structured strategy.
Matty Johns, a former Kangaroos player, praised Walker’s growth, attributing it to a combination of natural talent and professional guidance. Walker’s recent performances have been instrumental in the Roosters’ success, with the team currently on a winning streak.
“He’s the sort of kid, Sam, he’s have had a football in his hands and boots on his feet before he was out of nappies,” Johns said. “What you’re seeing now, he’s in a really sweet spot. Instinct meets education.”
The Rise of Hugo Savala
Meanwhile, Hugo Savala, a promising young five-eighth, is quietly making his mark. Despite earning a modest salary, Savala’s skills in recognizing game situations and executing plays have not gone unnoticed. His ability to handle pressure and adapt to different defensive strategies has drawn praise from experts like Cronk.
As Savala approaches the end of his contract, his future with the Roosters remains uncertain, especially if Cherry-Evans joins the team. The young playmaker’s potential departure could be a significant loss for the club, which values his strategic acumen and playmaking abilities.
“He understands the smarts of footy. He’s intelligent,” Cronk noted, highlighting Savala’s capability to read the game and make impactful decisions.
As the NRL season progresses, the decisions made by Cherry-Evans and the Roosters will undoubtedly shape the future dynamics of the team. Whether Cherry-Evans can adapt and continue his career successfully or if the Roosters will prioritize nurturing their young talents remains to be seen.
